Recognizing and seeking help for postpartum depression

The term “postpartum depression” comes up often, but it can be hard to come to terms with a diagnosis of your own. Many women feel ashamed for the mood swings and episodes of anxiety they feel after giving birth.

But in truth, it’s common. As many as 10 to 15% of new moms can have postpartum depression, says Dr. Andrew Chang, OB-GYN with Kettering Health Network.

Diagnosing postpartum depression

Generally, postpartum depression involves any of these symptoms that develop within a year of giving birth: Anxiety

Lack of sleep

Lack of interest

Guilt

Changes in appetite Psychomotor changes (anything from excessive toe-tapping and pacing to slowed speech and finding difficulty with everyday tasks, like brushing teeth)

Thoughts of hurting yourself or the baby

Some women may have mild depressive symptoms, called “postpartum blues” or “baby blues,” that are less severe, last two to three weeks, and go away without the need for treatment.

Any woman who thinks she may have postpartum depression should contact her health care provider for an official diagnosis and treatment.

Getting help

Your provider will work with you to determine the best treatment for you. Some patients benefit most from cognitive behavioral therapy, meditation, or relaxation techniques, while others respond best to medication.

Lifestyle changes may also make a difference. “Trying yoga, going out in nature, getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and exercising can all be a factor in successful treatment,” Chang says.

Risk and prevention

There’s no fool-proof way to prevent postpartum depression, but knowing whether you’re at risk and practicing those lifestyle changes may help. Also, talking to your provider about your risk will help both you and your doctor be prepared to start treatment after birth if necessary.

“Normally, we do a twoweek follow-up,” Chang says. “But if I’m particularly worried or something strikes me as a risk factor, I always tell them to come in after a week.”

Women who have previously experienced postpartum depression are most at risk for recurrence after subsequent pregnancies. However, first-time moms can also be considered at risk if they have

Depression and anxiety before pregnancy or birth

A difficult delivery, including a C-section or hemorrhage

Trouble breastfeeding A baby with special needs or health problems

Keep perspective

Even without any risk factors, it’s still possible to get postpartum depression—and that’s OK.

“Women may feel there’s an expectation that you should be happy and successfully breastfeeding. So if you’re not, you just feel bad and guilty about it,” says Chang. “The biggest thing is recognizing it and knowing it’s normal to feel that way. There are things we can recommend to help you get better if you are open and honest with what you’re feeling.”

If you think you have postpartum depression, talk to your doctor or visit ketteringhealth.org/obgyn to find a provider.